Logging QSOs from WinWarbler to DXKeeper

WinWarbler can log QSOs as ADIF records in a text file, referred to as the Minilog. However, most users prefer to log QSOs in real time to DXKeeper, DXLab's full-functioned logging application that records and manages QSOs, tracks progress towards DXing objectives, prints QSL cards and QSL labels, and and synchronizes with eQSL.cc, LoTW, and Club Log. Thus this article provides basic instructions for configuring and using WinWarbler with DXKeeper and DXView both running, and with Commander controlling your transceiver. A comprehensive description of WinWarbler's extensive logging capabilities is provided in its reference documentation.

As in all DXLab applications, allowing the mouse cursor to hover over a checkbox, selector, or textbox will produce a small popup explanation describing its purpose.

Configuration

in the General panel on the General tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

specify the station callsign you'll be using over-the-air in QSOs

specify your operator callsign, and owner callsign; these are often the same as your station callsign

in the QSO Info panel on the Log tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

check the automatic lookup box

check the set QSO start when RST Rcvd box

check the refuse to log if invalid callsign box

check the refuse to log if missing DXCC box

in the Default Settings panel on the Log tab of WinWarbler's Configuration window,

set the Path selector to 'S' (meaning "short path")

set the Item focus after callsign entry panel to RST Sent item

In SpotCollector, double-clicking a Spot Database Entry whose mode is PSK31, PSK63, PSK125, or RTTY will convey the entry's callsign, frequency, mode, and grid square to WinWarbler for logging. If you want SpotCollector to similarly convey information to WinWarbler when you double-click a Spot Database Entry whose mode is CW, SSB, AM, or FM, check that mode's box in the Service column in the Actions with Digital Mode Application connection panel on the General tab of SpotCollector's Configuration window.

Operation

The QSO Info panel on WinWarbler's Main window can be expanded so that you can log most of the items that DXKeeper is capable of recording - including 8 user-defined items. In it's minimal configuration, only basic items are accessible:

Each time you click the double-headed arrow button highlighted in red in the above screen shot, WinWarbler will expand the QSO Info panel to display a new row of boxes. When the QSO Info panel has been fully expanded, the double-headed arrow button will be replaced with a contract button:

Clicking the red-highlighted contract button above will shrink the QSO Info panel to its minimal configuration.

Logging a QSO

To log a QSO in WinWarbler,

type the callsign into the QSO Info panel's Call box and then strike the Enter or Tab key; several things will happen:

type the signal report received from your QSO partner into the QSO Info panel's rst R box; since you have the set QSO start when RST Rcvd option enabled, this action will designate the QSO as started

as the QSO continues, capture additional information in the QSO Info panel's boxes

when the QSO ends, click the QSO Info panel's Log button

set the QSO's time-of-completion

direct DXKeeper to log the QSO

clear the QSO Info panel's boxes in preparation for your next QSO

If you are operating in a mode like PSK or RTTY that populates WinWarbler's Receive panes with decoded text, steps 1 and 2 above can be accomplished by double-clicking words in the decoded text. Double-clicking a decoded callsign, for example, will perform the actions described in step 1, and double-clicking a signal report received from your QSO partner will perform the actions described in step 2. A full description of WinWarbler's ability to populate QSO Info items from decoded text is available here.

You can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate among boxes in the QSO Info panel and initiate actions like logging a QSO or clearing the QSO Info panel.

You can embed commands in macros that mark a QSO as started or log a QSO. For example, executing a macro containing the commands <log_qso> <clear_qso> is equivalent to clicking the QSO Info panel's Log button.

Other Actions

You can direct SpotCollector to spot the callsign currently specified in the QSO Info panel's Call box by clicking the QSO Info panel's Spot button.